CHANNEL TUNNEL.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 11, 14 January 1929, Page 7

CHANNEL TUNNEL.

Remarkable Revival Of Interest In Britain. AMBITIOUS SCHEME OUTLINED. (Australian and N.Z. Press Association.) LONDON, January 13. Tho Channel Tunnel has become such a live popular topic that it would not be surprising if something more definite were heard of it on the reassembly of the House of Commons.

The idea of catching a bus at Piccadilly Circus and alighting in the Rue de la Faix has captured the popular imagination, likewise the idea of entraining at London for Berlin or anywhere else on the Continent, direct. The scheme was originally dropped, although there is a mile or two of tunnel already on each side of the channel, because of the absurd fears of the War Lords. In the course of a speech at Newcastle to-day Viscount Cecil whole-heartedly supported tho project. He said its advantages were tremendous and its disadvantages remote and fantastic. He could conceive nothing less likely than a sudden, unforeseen attack from France. The dangers that would threaten England in the event of war would be an air attack and starvation, and neither would be increased bv the tunnel.

"England," said Viscount Cecil, in conclusion, ''must abolish the war mind. Once convince the people they are safe, and they will be safe." Scores of influential people are urging that the scheme be taken up immediately. It is estimated that it could be completed in less than five years. A remarkable development of the idea was advanced to-day by Professor A. E. Richardson, a distinguished architect. His proposal is that two double tunnels or four tunnels in all. should be constructed. The two outside tunnels would be used for roadways and the insides for railways. It would give a great outlet for England's traffic" for in rain and snow-storms the 3'2-miles' tunnel would always be available. Furthermore, four tunnels could more easily be constructed than two. A Londoner could motor from his home to the Continent for the week-end with the same ease as he tours England now.